One of Cornwall’s best loved pubs unveils brand-new refurbishment

2nd November 2020

The Bowgie Inn, Crantock, celebrates new refurbishment after months of building work

There were clinking glasses and cheers all round in Crantock recently as one of the county’s most popular pubs unveiled a massive refurbishment. 

“After over 18 months of hard work, it’s absolutely incredible to have opened our doors to showcase everything we have been up to over these last few months of lockdown” commented Sally Pickles, Owner. “We have remained open throughout our refurb, but our temporary closure during COVID-19 allowed us to make huge progress. When we reopened again on July 4^th, it was not only a celebration after months in lockdown, but also a big moment for us as we showcased The Bowgie’s new look to the world.”  

First started in October 2018, The Bowgie has been completely refurbished, now boasting brand new exteriors, signage, lighting, modernised interiors, furniture, upholstery, a 360° bar and revamped seating areas suitable for social distancing. Other big changes can be found outside with completely reworked exteriors and a stunning glass feature window.  

However, some key features including The Bowgie’s original stone walling has been retained to keep some of the pub’s traditional character. 

Sally said that although the pandemic has made 2020 incredibly hard, it has helped them to finish their refurbishment quicker than anticipated due to the temporary closure from March until July.

“It’s just amazing when we welcome back visitors to The Bowgie and they see the transformation. Inside, we have opened up the space to maximise our incredible location overlooking Crantock beach, so there’s plenty of extra room to enjoy the view, better accessibility and everything has been done to very modern standards, all whilst keeping our traditional, quirky character” commented Sally. “The Bowgie is a community pub and it belongs to everyone, so it’s amazing that the refurb has been met with such excitement – everyone loves the changes and can’t believe it’s the same place! I really think it’s helped to lift the spirits of our punters being back here again and enjoying the new surroundings while we get used to the ‘new normal’.” 

The Bowgie is well-known for its beer garden, traditional pub food and iconic history as a surf and music venue, and has been under its current ownership since 1973. The pub recently won a Great British Pub Award for its efforts over the lockdown. 

“We’re lucky to have so many loyal customers who have visited us for generations, so it was important that we kept our ‘pub’ vibes, but modernised it significantly so it’s much more stylish and worthy of the location we’re so lucky to enjoy here on West Pentire headland” commented Sally. “We really couldn’t have asked for a more positive response, especially post-COVID-19 as customers really appreciate and value the extra space they now have inside which means it’s far easier for the team and customers to social distance. I really don’t know how we would have coped post-COVID if we hadn’t had our refurb.” 

The Bowgie employs 30 permanent staff and unfurloughed the whole team following the government’s announcements that pubs could reopen on 4^th July. Following the new lockdown measures announced on Saturday 31^st October, The Bowgie will again temporarily close until 2^nd December. 

“While we wanted to bring The Bowgie into the 21^st century, we were also keen to keep some of the things that our regulars know and love, so we’ve kept that balance between making The Bowgie contemporary while keeping its character and atmosphere.” 

Sally and the team worked with Absolute Interiors, Truro, and other local businesses throughout the refurbishment including Abbotts Event Hire, Penwith Upholstery based in Redruth, Mike Martin Windows based near Newquay, Simply Stainless at Threemilestone and St Austell Brewery. 

“It’s so important for us to support other local businesses, especially during these challenging times when so many are faced with uncertainty. We were really grateful to have pushed forward with our refurb during the lockdown” commented Sally. "At a time when all too many businesses are sadly closing, we were proud to make such an investment and commitment to the community.”

The Bowgie stocks one of the biggest selections of Cornish beers, ciders and spirits in the county, with over 35 different varieties of Cornish gin alone. 

“Times are hard right now, but we are doing all we can to give customers a wonderful welcome back to Crantock after what has been a difficult year for everyone. We are lucky to be at the heart of our community and have made it our mission throughout the pandemic to spread kindness and compassion when people needed it most” continued Sally. “It’s amazing to be open again and share this very special part of the world with everyone, something we’re able to do because we’ve worked so hard implementing various new systems to keep our customers and team as safe as possible.”

Sally commented that many customers have personally thanked her for sharing the live videos from Crantock beach, something she did every day throughout the lockdown to support people who couldn’t visit the seaside. 

“It has been fantastic to see The Bowgie how it’s supposed to be – full of smiles, clinking glasses and laughter! People are enjoying Cornwall, and everything it can offer, in all its glory. Although we have to temporarily close again for the second lockdown, we remain optimistic and hopeful for the future.”

The Bowgie’s new interiors have been “inspired by the local environment”, with coastal-themed colours and furnishings.

“Our new look is all about bringing the outside in, so we have used lots of teals, blues and greens to reflect the ocean landscape we enjoy outside the window. My favourite part has to be our new 360° bar which showcases the variety of Cornish beers, ales and spirits we offer, as well as allowing everyone to enjoy the view over Crantock beach.”

Bookings must be made in advance via The Bowgie’s website and orders placed via the new App.

“It’s been a long process, but we now have an online booking system and our very own App which customers can use to place their food and drinks orders – our team will then deliver your order to your table. We also have a one-way system around the pub, we’re limiting the number of people allowed in at any one time and have introduced even stricter cleaning measures to ensure the safety of our team and customers.”

Sally added, "People are going out less, but when they do, they want a better-quality environment and a premium experience. At The Bowgie, we’re so lucky to have one of the best pub locations in the country, and now we feel that the building reflects that too. We’re so excited for everyone to see what we have been up to! Hopefully we can re-open again after the second lockdown on 2^nd December to welcome in the festive season.”